07 May 2012

The leader 'Rossoneri' was blunt when asked about leaving the center, one of the major objectives of Barça.

Adriano Galliani, Milan's managing director, said today that "Thiago Silva will remain in Milan safe" when asked about the possible departure of central Brazil, one of the major objectives of strengthening the defense Barça ahead of the 2012 season - 13. Speaking on the occasion of the meeting of the 'Lega' Italian Galliani added that "this is a first line player like Ibra, and neither will go away."

It is recalled that Thiago Silva is already on the agenda since azulgrana last season and that the very international 'canarinho' has hinted that recalaría delighted at the Camp Nou. 27 years and also a solvent midfielder, Thiago Silva is bound contractually to the club 'Rossoneri' until June 2016, as reported MD, Barcelona considers the possibility of reducing a transaction with the inclusion of Keita and Adriano or even Afellay as currency.

Milan's refusal to let out the versatile defender, Galliani shaped by his words, does not mean that the entity closing band to any offers. (via MD)

Ibrahim Afellay in the first list of the Netherlands for Euro and in which the coach Bert van Marwijk has included 36 players, including former azulgrana also include Mark van Bommel (Milan), the Valencia Maduro and Mathijsen (Málaga) and Robin van Persie (Arsenal), one of the 'future events' that sound to Barça.

The second list of 27 names will be released before 17 May and the final 23 by 29-M. The Oranje will travel to Poland on June 4 and 'Ibi' hopes to be in the Euro-2012 in spite of the injury sustained in training with Barça last September that left him until last KO 2 April, when he received a medical discharge, the Netherlands will compete in the 'group of Death', with Germany, Portugal and Denmark.

Due to the dispute of the final between Barça and Athletic copera May 25 at the Calderon, Afellay be lost the first preparatory stage of the Dutch in Lausanne (Switzerland), scheduled for 17-26 of this month. (via MD)

In its way, Seydou Keita seemed to say goodbye to the fans of FC Barcelona during the derby. It was 65 minutes of game when Pep change ordered by Cesc.

Calculated or not, the stands erupted in cheers, chanting his name, while Mali midfielder waved his hands gratefully. The affectionate gesture the coach later implied that azulgrana stage is nearing completion.

The latest reports place him in Málaga, although other, as echoed this newspaper, you look like Currency Converter change in the operation of Thiago Silva.

The club's Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani would be negotiating with Barça since his departure. Taking advantage of their trip to Barcelona to play the league game with Barça, Fernando Hierro, the general manager Andalusian reportedly met on Thursday 3 May in Barcelona with President Sandro Rosell and sports director Andoni Zubizarreta, as revealed yesterday the Cope. Even the player's agent Pascal Boisseau, also would have held a summit with Manuel Pellegrini at the hotel blanquiazul.

Other sources have confirmed that the operation would be MD in its infancy and subject to the classification malaguista team for the Champions League, more than likely end. The club does seek a strengthening of its profile

The representative, however, denied yesterday that point. "Right now their future is Barça. For now, we have not talked to anyone, not with Milan, nor with Roma, nor with Manchester United," he told the same station.

His intention and Keita is to meet with Tito Vilanova and the board "and have a quiet chat," then take the right decision.

The arrival of Cesc and Barça style of play you have closed the doors. 32, under contract until 2014, Keita has played 38 games of 62 and only 19 as starters. Considered to be at his last chance for a team that legarantice minutes. Málaga so it seems. (via MD)

Today is the fourth anniversary. Not of any trophy (in fact Barça ended up losing), but of a way of understanding the game of football which is envied throughout the world. The last time FC Barcelona held less than 50% of possession in a match was on 7th May 2008. It was in the Santiago Bernabeu, with the 2007/08 league title already decided, that Real Madrid clearly outplayed Frank Rijkaard’s Barça team to win 4-1. Since then, Barça have played 247 consecutive matches, the last two under Rijkaard and all those in the Guardiola era, enjoying superior possession of the ball.

A few days ago, while looking back over his time in charge of the team, Guardiola explained that he was especially proud that his teams had always dominated their matches. They’ve done so for 245 consecutive matches. And there are still two left.

An analysis of all the games played by FC Barcelona under Guardiola shows that there are only two where possession was relatively balanced. The first time was in the final of the Champions League in Rome (2-0) when Manchester United came close with 49%. However, the fact that the game was all but decided in the 70th minute by Messi’s headed goal helps to understand the stats a little better. The second case was in this season’s Spanish Super Cup final (2-2). On that occasion José Mourinho’s Real Madrid managed 48%.

By contrast we can find some overwhelming displays of superior possession by Barça, especially in decisive matches. In the last World Club Cup final against Santos (4-0), Barça enjoyed 71% possession, with 768 completed passes compared with only 233 by Santos. An outstanding performance that prompted the astonished rival manager, Muricy Ramalho, to explain at the end of the match that Barça had played a "3-7-0" system. Alex Ferguson said much the same thing in different words after his Manchester United lost the CL final in Wembley (3-1), having managed a meagre 37% possession: “They’re the best team we have played. Nobody has ever given us a drubbing like this. They hypnotised us with their passing game”. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Consecutive games with superior possession

Season 2007/08: 2
Season 2008/09: 62
Season 2009/10: 59
Season 2010/11: 62
Season 2011/12: 62

Medical tests have determined that Barça B has an elongation in the semitendinosus of the right thigh.

Kiko Femenía be seven to ten days off due to an elongation in the semitendinosus of the right leg, produced in last Saturday's match against Elche (0-1). The Alicante player had to be replaced on 56 minutes by teammate Gerard Deulofeu.

Thus, Kiko will miss the game this Saturday at Almeria field (16 hours) and could also miss Wednesday's match against Valladolid. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Valenti Guardiola, Pep's father, spoke about the resignation of Guardiola and his possible future at Barça.

Pep Guardiola's father, Valenti and his mother Dolors, spoke Monday at the program 'El Matí' of Catalunya Ràdio disputed after the last meeting run by his son at the Camp Nou.

"We saw that the work was so overwhelmed he did, he lives both wearing. In the 24 hours thinking about the football team, partners and supporters. Has a big responsibility," said Valenti

Valenti also spoke about her grandchildren, whom we saw at the Camp Nou after the game: "La Maria estava a little touched, seem to suffer too as it is larger, see what was going on with her father."

"As president I do not think back, well I'm not in it. Do not know what to do, whatever you do will be delivered as the years of Barça," added the father of Pep Guardiola.

His mother, Dolors, said that people had noticed a lot in the last sentence: "Do not ever lose." "This has been taken very well," he said. "It was beautiful, was not a thing of firework displays, which became very emotional and very deep."

"When I said I would be enlarged heart, saw that I needed a space of tranquility and repose. When I hurt djo part why Barça is Barça but first is health," he added. (via SPORT)

The board barcelonista saved by the time a strict silence about the recent remarks of Joan Laporta, who has stepped forward to take the output of Pep Guardiola to criticize the club.

Although few people in the club and even outside it, means a statement that they do is portray Laporta a character as opportunistic, there will be no comments.

The same day he the barcelonismo paid homage to Pep, Laporta, who was invited to the Llotja said on Catalunya Ràdio that the club "has done everything possible to keep Pep is evidence that have done well to go "thus denying the technician, who has repeatedly explained the reasons for its decision and has stressed his appreciation for the treatment received by the club, both in times of Rosell and Laporta.

The former president then Guardiola is a liar. Even in circles away from the policy is considered that Laporta is an opportunist, while from the club complains about all the elected date, such an important day for the barcelonismo, but without statements

Barça could finish the season playing a friendly in Qatar after Cup final on 25 against Athletic Bilbao. I would now go without international squad for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Guardiola will have to decide this week whether his players play a friendly before the finals copera. This possibility is assessed to be many days without competition from the League final, which will end next Saturday, 12. Guardiola wants to stay focused and competitive so do not rule out a 'bolus' prior. (via MD)

FC Barcelona was named ‘The World’s Club of the 1st Decade’ by the IFFHS this Monday evening.

The Club won a total of seven awards during the IFFHS' World Football Gala that took place in the W Hotel in Barcelona.

FC Barcelona was awarded seven awards at the IFFHS World Football Gala which took place this Monday evening in Barcelona. Barça was named the ‘The World’s Club of the 1st Decade’ (2001 through 2010) and the best team of 2011. The ceremony, which took place at the W Hotel, was attended by vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, director Jordi Mestre and football director Andoni Zubizarreta.

Of the 37 awards passed out tonight during the Gala, FC Barcelona won 7. Among them, two of the most important: Best European team of the decade and world’s best team of the decade. From 2001 through 2010, the team won a total of two Champions Leagues (2006 and 2009), one Club World Cup (2009), one European Super Cup (2009), four La Liga titles (2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09 and 2009/10), one King’s Cup (2008/09) and three Spanish Super Cups (2006, 2007 and 2010).

FC Barcelona was also named the the best team of 2011. Last year Barça won the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the Liga, the European Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.

Xavi, Messi and Guardiola also won awards. Xavi was named The World’s best Playmaker in 2011, Messi finished runner up for the award. The Argentine, however, was named 2011’s World’s Top Goal Scorer. Lastly, Josep Guardiola was named The World’s best Club Coach in 2011 ahead of José Mourinho. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Seen it for fact that Cuenca, Tito and Messi will want and out of contract in 2015.

In recent weeks, the name of Pedro has appeared associated with the transfer list Barça as one of the largest recipients of a mega-deal that would relieve the economy of the club and help run a strong investment for the project signings 2013.

The three muscle injury which prevented him play 10 competitive matches, irregular and the pressure of home-grown as Tello and Cuenca have been put forward as arguments to discuss a change of scenery. But Pep himself undertook to turn this weak argument for not admitting his mistake made ​​him play more in this final stretch of the season.

Neither Barça nor Pedro nor his environment, as has been told MD, are considering an exit. Nor had in mind with Pep and now with Tito. The canary has a contract until 2015 and is intended to accomplish.

None of the clubs to which will has linked both the Premier League and the calcium, the Roma of Luis Enrique particular tab has moved so far. Neither player has called or the Barça. Its agents have not discussed this matter with Andoni Zubizarreta, culé coach.

The opinion of Tito Vilanova, the sources said, would continue to count on the canary, which looks much more educated than to Cuenca or Tello.

Messi not decide because it is his landbut Pedro is one of its main supply routes. Both are considered great. It is the fourth Barça player to score more assists than will has offered over the past four years. And Leo, you know, is way too much Barça. (via MD)

Barça assess the involvement of the player to want to just go to the Camp Nou when he bet heavily on.

Gareth Bale is on the list of transfers handled by the FC Barcelona to strengthen their squad ahead of next season, as reported Mundo Deportivo.

The Welsh full-back is a goal for Tottenham, which also depends on the possible outcomes that may occur and, above all, the implication that the player himself demonstrates for the project.

That is a premise to be extrapolated to all the player who is interesting for its footballing terms. It is what, in the club, known as 'via Mascherano'.

Looking back, just remember how he got the 'jefecito' to Barça, from Liverpool. The Argentina international was involved both in his signing two summers ago that ended up being almost a condition of transfer, to sacrifice part of their compensation so that the complicated negotiations between clubs came to fruition.

The same example of action brought Arsenal's Cesc Fàbregas and brought back to Barcelona. Eventually, Barça expects the same from Bale.

It's about self-esteem of club and international projection. In the Camp Nou means that today, for any player in the world, wearing a Barca shirt should be the maximum. And that is a value that should play into work and not against it.

What is clear is that in the current Barça not pull the boat out, or go crazy at auctions which can only endanger the economic stability of the club.

So that has transpired the last hours of a major offensive to take over Manchester City services Bale, not for nothing that approach varies from the Camp Nou.

There is talk of an offer from the club 'blue' to Tottenham to be around 50 million euros, plus the City would be willing to pay triple the costs charged by the Welsh player to White Hart Lane.

Therefore, in Barça technical plans are managed lists several names for each river. For Bale, it is Jordi Alba. So if the Welsh dreams of playing for culé, as is said, will get wet as it did Mascherano. (via MD)

In 67 minutes of the game, Sebastian Giovinco after swiping a ball is plucked from a right impressive to beat Siena goalkeeper and put the 0-1 on the scoreboard. Finally, Siena went on to win the game 0-2. (via SPORT)

The sports area will meet in the coming days to finalize all the details on the restructuring of the workforce 2012-13.

The 2011-12 season has not yet completed. Barça yet to solve the final of the Copa del Rey against Athletic and nobody wants the dress to disperse because of the traditional market rumors affecting in one way or another to several members of staff. But one thing is the desire and a harsh reality, as the machinery of the sports area blaugrana can not catch a break at this point. Its chief executive, Andoni Zubizarreta, said the club will remain in a tense holding pattern until the end copera dispute, but the truth is that working overtime adapting the roadmap designed for months to open new arena Villanova's rise to the front of the bench. A simple task since Tito is a line of continuity in chapter staff restructuring. Plans do not suffer major changes.

Barça coach has no doubts about the name and surname of priority ahead of the 2012-13 season: Thiago Silva. The Brazilian Center-back is number one on their list of priorities. Tito and Zubizarreta permanently maintain contact, but over the next days it has planned a first formal summit which will materialize in the chapter of highs and lows and assess the actual price that the market runs today. It is the starting point.

Vilanova want to go step by step and start touching up the costumes from the axis of the rear. The coach has said that the defensive problems this season observed multiple injuries, diseases and irregular performance in individual cases, have been one of the keys that have burdened the team's results. Guardiola's replacement considered essential to shore up the center of the cover with the arrival of a left-handed player, a great personality on the pitch and enormous facility for handling the ball in its output. This profile is set to the extent of Thiago Silva. From this premise, and depending on the progress of negotiations and the economic game designed to convince Milan, will complete the puzzle of new faces.

The sports area has designed various strategies to try to convince the always complicated Silvio Berlusconi. Input with the complicity of Brazilian footballer. Thiago is aware of interest blaugrana last few months and is waiting to precipitate events coinciding with the outcome of competitions. His behavior has been exemplary in his three seasons at Milan and hopes the club will not prevent the exit. Another very different question refers to the market price of the player.

Milan has already leaked to several agents consider only open the doors for an estimated at 40 million euros. This amount is considered prohibitive at Barça, who hopes to find the formula to incorporate Thiago Silva at a price close to 25 million euros. The usual alternatives come into play. On the one hand, Barça has been used to bond items include generous response to individual and team performance to complete the last transfer. Cesc is the case and Alexis last season. In addition, through the mouth of Vice President and `strong man in the offices milanistas, Adriano Galliani, the Italian club would be more than happy to incorporate into its ranks the likes of Keita, Adriano or Afellay. The negotiations would be open, although the possible transfer are always subject to the best economic end. The Malian and manages several proposals in recent times has added an alleged interest of Malaga, who would be willing to pay 10 million euros for the midfielder. Zubizarreta, Tito Vilanova and Pep Guardiola want no distractions during the remainder of May. The slogan is absolute silence and deny any formal negotiation, but you need to know as soon as the attitude of Milan and the exact price that can facilitate the departure of Thiago Silva.

The football market is doing very attentive to everything that surrounds the figure of Silvio Berlusconi. The Milan owner is immersed in several lawsuits and political future is unclear. It is considered that if the big boss wants AC Milan continue their parliamentary career not be dislodged from Milan, a rumor circulated periodically, or access to part with Thiago Silva without demanding a high price in return.

The picture is complicated when you consider that some sources have put Ibrahimovic on the market. More specifically in the orbit Madrid of Mourinho. Too much speculation about a cash-strapped club and has a pending payment to Barça after the transfer of Zlatan. In any case, and given one of Berlusconi's media platforms, we can not rule out a change of management in just over 24 hours end to the miseries and record a capital injection millionaire. (via SPORT)

The Italian sports management set forward one year like the return of striker to the club blaugrana.

Towards the end of the season in Italy, Rome and planning the next season: even though coach Luis Enrique has confirmed its continuity, the Italian club's sports management and prepares the configuration of the next template in which Bojan Krkic may have further complicated on the computer.

Roma, indeed, attempt to forward a season the implementation of the repurchase option that Barça should run under contract in the summer of 2013, as was agreed when the Catalan forward left the club blaugrana at the end of last season.

Franco Baldini and Walter Sabatini, managing director and sports director of the Roma, respectively, will try to convince the Barça the best thing for the three parts is to advance the return of Bojan, whose activities center at the command of Luis Enrique has been less than expected . Bojan has started just twelve league games and has scored six goals in the tournament.

The former Barça has been throughout the course in the shadow of Borini and Osvaldo, where strikers Luis Enrique has relied more. Bojan left Barça last year in exchange for 12 million euros, but with a clause mandatory repurchase value of 13 'kilos' at the end of 2012-13. (via SPORT)

When Barça, Jordi Alba and his advisers closed for months the return of club Blaugrana player nobody could imagine that Valencia would put as many hurdles for the deal. It has. The setting of the player was convinced that President Levantine, Manuel Llorente, accede to requests from the international transfer would set a reasonable price.

Jordi Alba, their allies and the sports area culé were not that naive, but were convinced that Valencia listen to reason when you consider that the versatile player contract ends in 2013 and this summer was the last great option to negotiate a agreed and collect the corresponding transfer.

At present, the operation is in neutral. Barça covenanted Alba's arrival a transfer subject to 'reasonable' and, of course, is far from the 12 million euros that have been planted Valencia. Can Barça calls pass over a page and study the formula to redirect the operation and address other market alternatives. Alba and its agents must make a move. (via SPORT)

Wrapped to his son Adrià in the match against Cornellà, while the Cadete A league champion..

Tito Vilanova has seen Cornella-BarçaCadete B, that has left scoreless and starring his son Adrià in the ranks of Barça. With this 0-0, Francesc Artigas whole has come a little closer to league title, which in turn has already secured Cadete A champions 5-1 thanks to done to Girona at noon in the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper .

Adrià Vilanova, 15, and acts of defense, has caught a good game, showing serious and solvent at all times. Cadete B takes 11 point lead (66 to 55) to Barris Santes Creus, second place; high four games left, in case of victory the next week, azulgrana will ensure the scepter.

Tito Vilanova joined the family early this morning to farewell Pep Guardiola made ​​intimate with his wife Cristina and his children Marius, Maria and Valentina at the Camp Nou. (via MD)

Cadete B, meanwhile, will have to wait another week to clinch the title Preferente Group 1 after drawing goalless in Cornellà.

With two days to complete the competition, Cadete A of FC Barcelona won the championship of la Liga de División de Honor Cadete. It has done showing their best qualities: a great effect in the final meters. The team, which had 100 goals until Sunday, has scored five more to surpass six points to his arch rival, Espanyol. With two games left and the 'goal average' deal, the azulgrana players and coaches have been held on the lawn of the Ciudad Deportiva a title well deserved, as have given just one defeat and three draws in the entire competition.

The set Girona is ahead in the scoring after ten minutes of play thanks to Miquel target at the exit of a corner. However, the culés have reacted on the pitch and Álex has managed the equalizer just two minutes later, taking advantage of a rejection.

In the second half, the same slide Alex has turned to light after turning a shot from the penalty spot. The match referee had no hesitation in pointing penalty and expulsion action goalkeeper Iván Romero with Albert. Thereafter, the numerical superiority of the azulgrana has weighed in the field and Palencia has sealed the three points making it 3-1 in the absence of a quarter hour. Finally, Barça has extended distances in the lead thanks to goals from Juan and Toni, who have little hand thus establishing the final 5-1.

Cadete B wait a week more

Francesc Artiga's players have created many times in his party in Cornellà. However, barcelonistas have failed to find the net against an opponent very close. With four days, the goalless draw leaves the Cadete B with 11 points advantage over second-placed Barris Santes Creus, and postponed the conclusion of the title a week. Barça can be crowned champions if they win the next day to Vilanova at the Ciudad Deportiva. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Guardiola, accompanied by his family and close friends, returned to the Camp Nou’s pitch after the supporters had left to say his final goodbye.

Last night’s emotional sendoff won’t be forgotten by Pep Guardiola any time soon. His home, his people, his supporters paid tribute to the outgoing manager in his last match at the Camp Nou. After the crowds had left the stadium and most of the lights had been turned off, Guardiola returned to the Camp Nou’s pitch. Accompanied by his partner and his three children, the manager repeated the ritual he started in 2001, when he said goodbye to the Club as a player. His partner and his parents stood by his side 11 years ago.

After spending a couple of minutes on the pitch, he went to the Camp Nou’s bench with his children, as time went on family members and close friends slowly gathered around the manager to offer their support. Just before Guardiola and his entourage left the stadium, they posed for one last picture at the Camp Nou. (via FCBarcelona.com)

The player understands Guardiola’s reasons for standing down and thanks him for everything he has taught him.

Mascherano also spoke about Messi’s goal scoring record of 50 league goals – 72 in all competitions – so far this season.

He also highlights the work done behind the scenes by Tito Vilanova: "He’s brought a lot to the team”.

Speaking after Saturday’s derby win against Espanyol, Javier Mascherano told Barça TV that the players had experienced some emotional moments during the farewell tributes to Guardiola. In an interview for Barça TV’s ‘El Marcador', he summed up the players’ feelings towards the outgoing manager. “Guardiola has taught me many things. He’s one of the coaches who has most influenced me. He changed my position and since then there’s been a before and after in my career”. Since joining Barça, Mascherano has been moved back into central defence by Guardiola and has enjoyed an extended run in the team.

Mascherano expressed his understanding for Guardiola’s decision, describing it as a personal choice that belonged to the manager alone, but criticised some of the speculation in the sporting press over the season: “It’s older than the sun itself. There’s no business in one team winning it all. It annoys some people that it’s always the same one”.

Mascherano emphasised that the team will not abandon their style of football and thanked the fans for their support even in defeat: “People are demanding but not stupid. Even without winning, the fans recognise everything that has been done. This year is the best example”.

Speaking on behalf of the whole squad he also gave his full support to the next manager, Tito Vilanova: “Tito has been Pep’s shadow. He’s done a really good job as assistant coach to the extent that we noticed his absence when he was ill. He’s done a formidable job. Now, it’s his chance”.

When asked about Messi’s sparkling performance against Espanyol, Mascherano insisted: “There are no words to describe him”. He also admitted that he had spoken to his fellow countryman about his record-breaking achievements and underlined his modesty: “I asked Messi if he was aware of what he was achieving. Luckily, he isn’t! We will always remember this Barça as Messi’s and Guardiola’s”.

Javier Mascherano’s excellent season was rewarded by the fans chanting his name during Saturday’s match: “I’m very grateful to the fans. It’s a source of pride that they chanted my name". (via FCBarcelona.com)

Following on from the derby win and the emotional tribute to Pep Guardiola, Barça president Sandro Rosell awarded the Club’s highest honour to the outgoing coach in the presence of his father Valentí.

The various tributes and farewell ceremonies for Pep Guardiola started outside the stadium, continued inside the Camp Nou and finished in the players’ changing rooms. It was here, and with his father Valentí looking on, that Barça president Sandro Rosell awarded him the Club’s highest distinction, the Barça gold medal.